Load research in a privatised electricity supply industry

The main distinguishing characteristic of load research is its focus on the time-related pattern of electricity usage, across the day and throughout the year. The authors describe how a major application for load research analysis is the design and setting of retail tariffs by distribution boards, and how an appreciation of the demand pattern throughout the year at customer class level is crucial for these tasks. Where new types of tariff are being contemplated, load research also plays a key part in helping to evaluate customer response